VehicleVerdict

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 185 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.3 times the median Avalanche 1500 year — the 2002 model ranks #2 of 12 Avalanche 1500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 24 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 54% of all reports (99 of 185), far ahead of electrical system at 12.

185

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

24

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Avalanche 1500 years?

Avalanche 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted213 complaints2002: 185 complaints2003: 213 complaints2004: 175 complaints2005: 153 complaints2006: 63 complaints2007: 142 complaints2008: 49 complaints2009: 27 complaints2010: 7 complaints2011: 43 complaints2012: 20 complaints2013: 38 complaints
Avalanche 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avalanche 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes9954%
Electrical System126%
Body & Structure116%
Airbags84%
Transmission74%
Engine74%
Steering74%
Fuel System63%
Tires & Wheels53%
Lighting53%
Suspension53%
Speed Control42%
Other32%
Latches & Locks32%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E106000Tires & WheelsDecember 17, 2007 · 130,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

Consequence

WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY 2002 AVALANCHE HAD MULTIPLE BRAKE LINES FAIL THIS MORNING WHEN I TRIED TO STOP WHEN A DUMP TRUCK PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME THIS MORNING. I COULD NOT STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR AND I ENDED UP IN A FIELD. THE SERVICE SHOP SHOWED ME THE HEAVILY RUSTED AND PITTED BRAKE LINES. THEY FAILED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 29, 2015 · crash

“RECENTLY MY 2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE HAS BEGUN TO SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER. ANOTHER IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE, THE BRAKES BEGAN TO PRESS ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHILE BRAKING. ON AUGUST 3, 2011 WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, HE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 3, 2011 · crash

“Vehicle was involved in a collision, striking a cement stair case and embankment, before rotating to final rest during which time the cab separated completely from the frame. One occupant was trapped in the cab and one was ejected. Information submitted by case investigator, Trp. [XXX] - Iowa State…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 21, 2022 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER RAN A RED LIGHT AND ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. NONE OF THE FOUR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POLICE RESPONDED AND A REPORT WAS AVAILABLE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 14, 2010 · crash

“WELL,WHEN DRIVING MY 2002 CHEVY AVALANCHE TRUCK THE REDUCE ENGINE LIGHT CUTS ON. IN ADDITION, MY TRUCK STARTS TO SLOW DOWN AND REDUCE SPEED. SOMETIMES ON THE INTERSTATE WHILE I'M DRIVING ALSO. I'VE BEEN TO TWO GM DEALERSHIP AND PAID MONEY TO HAVE IT SERVICE. AS A RESULT, THEY WERE CHARGING ME A LOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 15, 2013

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 — common questions

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 185 complaints put the 2002 model at #2 of 12 Avalanche 1500 years. It is one of the Avalanche 1500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Avalanche 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (99 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), body & structure (11 complaints).

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Avalanche 1500 years to avoid are 2003, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007. The cleanest record among Avalanche 1500 years belongs to 2010.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.